December is open enrollment month for the health insurance program provided by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey, with changes which ease the rules for qualification and a cut rates for caretakers.
“We are trying to be more inclusive,” said SBOANJ President Mark Ford. “We are trying to encourage qualified individuals to apply.”
The cost for premiums for caretakers/grooms have been cut in half for single enrollees and nearly so for families. The monthly rate for singles has been reduced from $100 to $50 for 2016.
To be eligible, the caretaker must be a full-time employee for a trainer qualified for the New Jersey program. Paycheque stubs must be provided as proof.
Requirements for eligibility for the insurance program have been adjusted for trainers and drivers in 2016. The minimum number of starts in New Jersey has been reduced from 36 to 24. Additionally, the percentage of starters raced in New Jersey has been lowered from 51 percent to 33.3 percent, as long as the trainer/driver does not qualify for an insurance program in another jurisdiction.
Applications are available on the SBOANJ website, from the Horsemen’s Representative at Freehold and The Meadowlands, and in the SBOANJ office in Manalapan.
(SBOANJ)